### 205

The Chai rangers are expert horsemen riding strong horses and steadily they close the gap between you. It will be impossible for you to outdistance them. Upon realising this, you decide that another course of action is needed. You rein in your horse and turn her into the refugee column, forcing your way across the flow of wagons and people. The moment you reach the opposite side of the highway, you urge your mare to the gallop and head due west towards a range of low hills. They will provide you with good cover in which to shake off the Chai cavalrymen who have followed in your wake and are now pursuing you across rain-swept grassland.

The rangers give up the chase as soon as you enter the hills. Reluctantly, they turn their horses around and ride back to the highway. As you watch them go, you resolve to head north through the hills and attempt to return to the highway nearer Pensei. You have been riding for an hour when you happen upon a large timber cabin surrounded by a split log fence.

If you wish to stop and investigate this remote homestead, turn to 76.

If you do not, you can continue your ride through the hills by turning to 337.